Aleister grabbed his jacket and put it on.

"Why?", Seth asked.

Aleister turned to him, his eyes running over Seth before looking away.

"You, my mom", he replied.

"Me? Because I chose Liam over you", Seth said.

"I love you, Seth. I wasn't suppose to fall in love with you, but I did. For the first time I thought I could be happy, I tried to get closer to you, but you kept shutting me out", he explained.

Seth felt bad for leading him on, he knew he shouldn't have, but he also didn't count on meeting Liam and falling in love with him.

"I wasn't ready", was all Seth could say.

"But you were for him", Aleister said.

"I can't lie to you, yes from the second I met him I found him attractive, but I didn't go there with the intention of falling in love.", Seth said.

Aleister nodded.

"I tried to feel what you felt for me. It just wasn't there Aleister. I did feel bad because you were so patient with me.", Seth continued.

"Life just didn't work out for us", he said softly.

Seth nodded.

"My mom, she didn't grow up well off like most in Ruby. Bottom of the barrel, barely getting by", Aleister started.

Seth leaned back against the wall.

"Dwayne, Roman's cousin, he found her interesting. She fell in love with him like most, but she fell more in love with his power and money", Aleister said.

"Right, he could pick from a good amount of women. I remember Roman telling me and being afraid that's what his parents would do to him.", Seth added.

Aleister nodded.

"Apparently my mother's family was too poor for his family. Kicked her out before she had a chance. There was nothing he could do or say either to stop it.", Aleister said.

Seth nodded. Roman was lucky he found the love of his life, till they broke up and he was forced to marry Sasha. He was glad his friend had the love of his life back. Roman wasn't happy and Seth knew that.

"Anyway, she vowed revenge on the family and used me to get it. She wanted me to use you, but I couldn't. I loved you too deeply", he explained.

Seth nodded.

"Thank you for telling me", Seth said softly.

"Hunter", Aleister said.

Seth waited for him to say more.

"Well, more like Shawn, paid me to hire Scott and Kevin to kill Taker and Kane before they could say anything. Angry at you, getting back at the Reigns family, this was the way. My mom said she was proud of me. That's why I wore my guard uniform, kill two birds with one stone", he said.

Seth sighed.

"You hate me and I understand why. I've fucked up too many times, but I just don't know how to handle things. Kinda picked up my mom's bad habits", he chuckled.

Seth nodded.

"I will tell whoever I need too the truth. I owe you and the love I have for you that much", he said softly.

"Let's go, if you're ready", Seth said.

Aleister nodded as Seth handcuffed him.


Getting home, Roman helped Lynn up to their room. His ankle bracelet beeped.

"What's that?", she asked.

"So I don't flee", Roman replied.

She nodded.

"Don't worry, Seth and Liam are on it. I'm just hoping Aleister will come quietly and confess", she said, already falling asleep.

"Seth will work his magic. He knows Aleister better than anyone", Roman said.

Stephanie came out of his office and smiled at them.

"Exhaustion kicking in, I remember that well", Stephanie said at a sleepy looking Lynn.

Lynn smiled.

"But I need a word with your King", Stephanie said.

"Can I come?", Lynn asked.

"Of course, I just assumed you would rather get some rest", she said.

"I have a few more minutes left in me", Lynn replied.

They made their way back into Roman's office. Randy, John, and Daniel stood there.

"So?", Roman asked, after he helped Lynn sit.

"I will be taking my rightful place as Queen of Emerald. I liked the idea of removing Hunter, and like you know, I need support. More like royal support", Stephanie said.

Roman nodded.

"And like we've told you, I and Ruby region have your back. AJ and Sapphire as well. Trish and Opal want Hunter gone as well, and you know very well they will back any woman", Roman said.

She nodded.

What about Black Diamond?", she asked.

"My brother in law is working on it. I trust AJ", Roman said.

"Good, because as soon as your guards come back with the traitor, I will announce for my place and ask for removal of Hunter", she said.

"I like that plan", he nodded.

Randy stepped forward.

"John and Daniel have spoken to a few people in Emerald and they've voiced that if Queen Stephanie ever came back and claimed her throne, they would back her.", Randy spoke up.

"That's good, she'll need that support as well.", Lynn said.

"Tomorrow, whether King Balor is on board or not, I will take back my crown", Stephanie said.


AJ arrived in Black Diamond. Leslie had wanted to join him, but he couldn't risk something happening to her and the twins. He had reached out to Finn and asked for a meeting. He agreed even though he hesitated a bit.

Baron decided on joining him for Leslie. She had seemed worried that things would go bad. Joe was on his other side. Chris stayed behind.

"AJ", Finn said, reaching out his hand to shake AJ's hand.

"Balor", AJ replied.

"Should we?", he asked.

AJ nodded and followed him inside.

"So what can I do for you AJ?", Finn asked.

Becky was already inside and sitting beside Finn's chair.

"You must have heard Queen Stephanie is back. I came here on her behalf to ask if you and your Queen would back her on taking the crown", AJ said.

Finn chuckled and Becky smirked.

"From Hunter? How?", Finn asked.

"Maybe if you would go to the court hearing, you would know", AJ said.

"Why? So they could point the finger at me too. I hear Reigns is also involved in this mess", Finn said.

"He was framed. So, no, he's not involved. Just Hunter and his second", AJ corrected.

Finn looked at Becky.

"Having all the royals backing her would be great, but we don't really need you. Asking is just common courtesy.", AJ said.

Finn had grown cocky since taking the throne.

"None of the other royals ever took Black Diamond seriously anyway. Taker and Kane made sure of that.", AJ said, shrugging.

Finn raised a brow.

"Taker and Kane don't rule Black Diamond anymore", Finn said.

"True, I hear it's Hunter. You know, since he got you that seat, or at least that's what he's telling everyone.", AJ shrugged.

He turned to look at Baron and Joe.

"Let's go boys, it was a mistake to try to get Black Diamond back on the map and earn respect from the others. They don't want it", AJ said.

They turned to leave.

"Wait", Finn called out.

AJ looked over his shoulder.

"I know what you're doing. You act like I forgot how you work, AJ, but I haven't.", Finn said.

AJ smirked.

"I'll be there, just not telling you for who", he continued.

"That's fine, don't tell me. Just remember, you pick the wrong side, you can also be replaced.", AJ winked, before walking away.

Finn mumbled some not so kind words his way.


"Hunter, I don't know about this. They don't like me and if I try and defend you, they won't believe it. I'm not Lynn", Bayley said.

"No you aren't, but she taught you how to be a Queen. Take those lessons and use them now. I need you Bay, help me", he begged.

Bayley swallowed nervously, but nodded. She took a deep breath and faced the camera. It was easier to record her speech than do it live.

If she messes up, they can just rerecord it.

"Hello fellow Emerald citizens. As you know I became your Queen last night, and as your Queen I think you have the right to know what is really going on. Yes it's true, Stephanie is alive.", she started.

Sasha gestured for her to pause. Then rolled her hand for her to continue.

"I think we can all rest easy now, knowing she's alive and safe. That her killers are in jail ready to serve their sentencing. As you also know, she framed King Hunter. Spreading false information to save her own skin for cheating on her husband", Bayley said.

Hunter smirked. He wasn't stupid to think Randy would turn on him just because.

"Yes, Stephanie cheated on Hunter. Framed him for her murder in order to continue being Queen. My husband is innocent, and he would never try to harm me. The rumors about having lovers in our household are lies set to hurt my husband. He has been nothing but faithful to me.", she said.

"She's doing great", Shawn whispered.

Hunter nodded with a smirk.

"We will fight to prove his innocence. We just hope you will all stand and fight with us as well. Thank you for your time", Bayley finished and stepped away from the camera.

She looked at Hunter.

"How did I do?", she asked.

He kissed her hard.

"You did great my love. So good.", he replied.

"I believed every word", Shawn nodded.

"Told you she could do it", Sasha said, flipping her hair over her shoulder.

"Now to handle Lynn", Hunter said.

"You leave that to me", Bayley smirked.

"I knew I picked the right woman to be my Queen this time. You are so perfect", Hunter growled in her ear.

Bayley blushed.